Delhi vs Chennai, 26th Match

That ends an exciting double-header. More fun awaits tomorrow with Mumbai hosting Bangalore. Do join us for all the action. For now, cheers and bye..

Smith: 'I just wanted to stay out there, I knew I could score the runs. The ball came on nicely, I could back myself on the shots. We (me and McCullum) kept encouraging each other to get going. It was a very good chase for us, glad we could manage the chase. It is a great team, we can grow from strength to strength.'

Dwayne Smith is the MoM

Dhoni: 'I thought we played good cricket, but we conceded too many runs in the last 2-3 overs. The rain really helped us, it made bowling very tough. Shukla bowled really well for them, it was a good win but we need to improve. Smith and McCullum back themselves to play their shots, but they do not try anything fancy. Raina also played really well. One of the best Delhi surfaces I have ever played on, perhaps 185-200 was a par score here. Need to improve our bowling, particularly on flat surfaces. Mohit and Ishwar have bowled well, but need some experience at bowling the death overs.'

Pietersen: "We lost some momentum there during the rain. Their batters played nicely. We got so close. I thought the boys played some good cricket. It's frustrating to lose such close games. We kept them down in the middle overs. We held the game nicely. The rain affected us but Chennai played better cricket. Nobody is here to blame anybody. We are not going to give excuses either. We have to win most of our games but our team is good enough to get to the play-offs".

Delhi came so close, but failed at the last hurdle once again. One has to feel for them, they put Chennai under extreme pressure, at least until the rain came mid-way through the chase. Bowling with a wet ball, the bowlers struggled to grip the ball and offered some freebies to the Chennai batsmen. Not to take the credit away from the Chennai batsmen, McCullum and Smith gave them the right start once again. The Barbados batsman took a liking to Unadkat in particular. With a wet ball, Raina joined the fun before Dhoni finished off the chase. This is the 6th straight win for Chennai against Delhi, their 6th on a trot in the competition as well and they go on top of the table with 12 points.

19.4 Unadkat to Dhoni, FOUR, Dhoni wins it for Chennai, another full toss from Unadkat, Dhoni presses forward and slaps it past extra cover for a boundary, Russell, the manager of the Chennai franchise jumps in joy and makes a jig

19.3 Unadkat to Dhoni, 2 runs, low full toss from Unadkat, Dhoni was looking to shovel it over mid-wicket, gets a leading edge that clears cover point for a brace

Jadeja is thrilled to bits at the Chennai dug-out

19.2 Unadkat to Dhoni, SIX, massive, length ball from Unadkat, not the line to bowl to MSD, he gets forward and thumps it high and over long on for a maximum

Fine leg and third man are inside the ring

19.1 Unadkat to Raina, 1 run, low full toss on off, Raina gets across and swings it to deep mid-wicket for a single

Unadkat will bowl the final over. Can he restrict Chennai to 10 or less?

Jaydev Unadkat [3.0-0-34-0] is back into the attack

18.6 Parnell to Dhoni, no run, excellent bowling from Parnell, under pressure he gets the yorker right, Dhoni squeezes it out and attempts a cheeky single, sent back by Raina

KP is making the field placings, he is very animated out in the middle

18.5 Parnell to Dhoni, no run, precious dot ball from Parnell, short of a length and just outside off, Dhoni mistimes the pull towards mid-wicket

MS Dhoni, right handed bat, comes to the crease

11 from 8, it is still Chennai's match to lose

18.4 Parnell to Dwayne Smith, out Caught by Vijay!! Excellent catch from Vijay at long on, but is it all too late? This was full and just outside off, Smith went for the big hit, gets underneath the shot, the ball went many a mile in the air, Vijay called for the catch, runs across to his left, and plucks the catch. Smith goes after a superb knock, Chennai are almost home and dry. Dwayne Smith c Vijay b Parnell 79(51) [4s-4 6s-8]

Parnell to Dwayne Smith, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

18.3 Parnell to Dwayne Smith, no run, nicely bowled by Parnell, the wide yorker, Smith can't get it away

18.2 Parnell to Raina, 1 run, full toss from Parnell, swung away towards deep mid-wicket for a single

18.1 Parnell to Raina, FOUR, lovely shot, full and just outside off from Parnell, Raina opens the face of the bat and bisects the gap between backward point and short third man for a boundary

Wayne Parnell [3.0-0-20-0] is back into the attack

17.6 Shami to Dwayne Smith, FOUR, this is shocking bowling from Shami, fine-leg was inside the ring, he bowls this one short and on the stumps, Smith swivels across and top-edges the pull over short fine, 17 from the over

KP is having a word with his bowler

17.5 Shami to Dwayne Smith, SIX, massive, is this the blow that will take Chennai home? Shami goes for the yorker, offers a knee high full toss, pummelled over deep mid-wicket for a maximum

17.4 Shami to Dwayne Smith, FOUR, poor ball from Shami, the third man was in the ring, Shami attempted the slower ball, ends up bowling it short and wide outside off, Smith slices it over that man for a boundary

17.3 Shami to Raina, 1 run, this is good bowling from Shami, keeps it full and just outside off, Raina plays with an open face and steers it to deep point for a single

17.2 Shami to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, Shami keeps it full and wide outside off, Smith drills it towards sweeper cover, de Kock does well to get his body behind and keeps them down to a single

17.1 Shami to Raina, 1 run, full and on off, Raina gets down on one knee and caresses it towards sweeper cover for a single

Mohammed Shami [3.0-0-25-0] is back into the attack

Chennai are 1 run behind on D/L par score

16.6 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, no run, good over from Unadkat, this was full and on the stumps, Smith was way too early on the slog, the ball trickles back towards the bowler

16.5 Unadkat to Raina, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, Raina makes room and chops it towards short third man for a single

16.4 Unadkat to Raina, 2 runs, Unadkat follows Raina as he came down the track, driven in front of mid-on, Raina calls for the second run and gets back with ease

It has started to rain again

16.3 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, Unadkat keeps it full and just outside off, driven past cover point for a single

16.2 Unadkat to Raina, 1 run, Unadkat keeps it full and on the stumps, driven wide of mid-wicket for a single

16.1 Unadkat to Raina, no run, the slower ball from Unadkat, he rolled his fingers around it, Raina went for the big slog and misses

15.6 Parnell to Raina, 1 run, Parnell keeps it full and wide outside off, driven all along the carpet past cover point for a single

Looks like the ball has become too wet, and it might be changed. There are taking a time-out as well

15.5 Parnell to Raina, SIX, Raina is doing it for Chennai, Parnell misses the yorker, the ball slips out of his hands and he ends up bowling a juicy full toss, flicked over long leg for a maximum

15.4 Parnell to Raina, FOUR, beautifully played by Raina, this was full and on the stumps, Parnell misses his yorker by a fraction, Raina was deep inside the crease, uses the angle and flicks it wide of long on for a boundary

15.3 Parnell to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, another fine yorker from Parnell, right on Smith's toes, driven towards mid-wicket for a single

15.2 Parnell to Raina, 1 run, Parnell keeps it full and on off, Raina was deep inside the crease as he aimed to clear mid-wicket, gets an inside edge onto the pads

15.1 Parnell to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, full and on the stumps, Smith flicks it in the air, the ball bounces well in front of the fielder at deep mid-wicket

Wayne Parnell [2.0-0-6-0] is back into the attack

Chennai are now level with the D/L par-score

14.6 Unadkat to Raina, no run, appeal for LBW, but the angle was taking it down leg, Raina went for the pull off the slower ball, misses and is struck on the knees, he set off for a quick single and is sent back

14.5 Unadkat to Raina, FOUR, nicely played by Raina, this was full and just outside off, Raina waits on it, opens the face of the bat at the last moment and squeezes it past the keeper for a boundary

14.4 Unadkat to Raina, no run, run, excellent yorker from Unadkat, full and tailing back into Raina, he does well to get some bat as he jams it out

another slower ball from Unadkat, Raina was way too early on the drive and gets a single to long on

14.3 Unadkat to Raina, 2 runs, another slower ball from Unadkat, Raina was way too early on the drive and gets a couple to long on

14.2 Unadkat to Raina, FOUR, nicely played by Raina, this was the slower ball from Unadkat, Raina gave himself room by backing away, waits on the ball and cuts it very late, beats the third man fielder in the ring

14.1 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, low full toss from Unadkat, Smith gets down on his knees and mistimes the lofted shot towards long off, goes to the fielder on the bounce

Jaydev Unadkat [1.0-0-18-0] is back into the attack

Chennai are now 2 runs behind on D/L method

13.6 L Shukla to Raina, no run, the slower ball from Shukla, Raina taps it straight to the fielder at backward point

13.5 L Shukla to Raina, 2 runs, full and on the stumps, Raina drills it wide of mid-wicket, wants the second and Dwayne Smith beats the throw at the bowler's end

13.4 L Shukla to Raina, no run, short of a length and shaping away from off, Raina plays away from his body and misses

13.3 L Shukla to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, short of a length and on the stumps, punched in front of long on for a single

Chennai are ahead on D/L method now

13.2 L Shukla to Dwayne Smith, SIX, magnificent, way too short from Shukla, Smith stands tall and pulls it high and over mid-wicket for a maximum. Pressure on Shukla and Delhi now

Chennai are 6 runs below on D/L calculations at the end of the 13th over

The ground-staff are ready, the rain is pretty steady now

12.6 Shami to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, the slower ball from Shami, Smith dabs it in front of cover for a quick single

12.5 Shami to Dwayne Smith, SIX, shot from Smith, length ball from Shami, Smith gets forward, uses the pace on the ball and pulls it over square leg for a maximum

12.4 Shami to Raina, 1 run, short and on the stumps, Raina backs away, rolls his wrists and pulls it to deep square leg

12.4 Shami to Raina, wide, Shami loses his line and slips this one down leg, wide called

It has started to rain now, this will make things even more interesting.

12.3 Shami to Dwayne Smith, leg byes, 1 run, the slower bouncer from Shami, Smith was way too early on the pull, the ball rolls away off the pads

12.2 Shami to Dwayne Smith, no run, the perfect yorker from Shami, Smith does well to jam his bat down and defends it towards the off-side

12.1 Shami to Raina, 1 run, tad fuller and just outside off, punched square on the off-side for a single

Mohammed Shami [2.0-0-15-0] is back into the attack

11.6 L Shukla to Raina, 1 run, on a good length and well outside off, Raina leans into the drive and gets a single to long-off

11.5 L Shukla to Raina, FOUR, this is turning out to be an expensive over from Shukla, he bangs this one short, Raina had plenty of time to rock back and pulls it in front of mid-wicket for a boundary

11.5 L Shukla to Raina, wide, harsh call from the umpire, Shukla bowled this one short and well outside off as Raina gave the charge, called as a wide

11.4 L Shukla to Raina, FOUR, smashed, length ball from Shukla, Raina clears his left leg, offers the full face of the bat and drills it back past the umpire for a boundary

11.3 L Shukla to Raina, no run, almost a return catch, on a good length and just outside off, Raina was early into the drive, goes back to the bowler on the bounce

Suresh Raina, left handed bat, comes to the crease

11.2 L Shukla to Brendon McCullum, out Caught by Vijay!! Shukla has been rewarded for his excellent bowling. This was pitched upon a good length and held its line on off, McCullum was looking for the slog over mid-wicket, does not get hold of the shot and hits it towards long on. Vijay was the man at the ropes, he takes it calmly, Delhi get their first wicket. Brendon McCullum c Vijay b L Shukla 32(35) [4s-5]

L Shukla to Brendon McCullum, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

11.1 L Shukla to Brendon McCullum, FOUR, first real bad ball from Shukla, goes for the yorker and offers a juicy full toss, lashed wide of extra cover for a boundary

10.6 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, McCullum would have been a goner had the throw been better, pushed a flighted delivery on off wide of cover and set off, the fielder swooped on the ball and threw it at the the bowler's end, it was way off-target though and the batsman survives

10.5 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, flatter and on the stumps, worked towards long on for a single

10.4 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, no run, good comeback from Nadeem, slows one on off, flights it and gets it to spin across the mighty heave from Smith

10.3 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, SIX, Nadeem releases the pressure, rank long hop and on the stumps, Smith rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum

10.2 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, McCullum lost his shape as he charged down the track, ends up mistiming it towards long on for a single

10.1 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, no run, flatter and on the stumps, McCullum makes room and mistimes the cut back towards the bowler

28 runs from the last 6 overs. Some fightback from Delhi

9.6 L Shukla to Dwayne Smith, no run, outstanding over from Shukla, on a good length and holding its line outside off, Smith went for a big swoosh and misses

9.5 L Shukla to Dwayne Smith, no run, this is excellent bowling from Shukla, on a length and on the stumps, Smith was winding up for the big shot, changes his mind at the last moment and jabs it down

9.4 L Shukla to Dwayne Smith, no run, Shukla keeps it full and on the leg-stump line, Smith looks to work it towards the on-side and misses

9.3 L Shukla to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, McCullum comes down the trackl to a full ball and drills it to long off for a single

9.2 L Shukla to Brendon McCullum, no run, the ramp shot attempted by McCullum, he went right across his stumps and looks to ramp a length ball over the keeper, misses it completely

9.1 L Shukla to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, very well bowled by Shukla, yorker length and just outside off, Smith just about gets some bat on that and squeezes it behind square for a single

8.6 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, pushed through by Nadeem, Smith goes back and nudges it behind square for a single

8.5 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, appeal for LBW, but the ball seemed to have grazed McCullum's bat as he went for the sweep, was going well over anyway

8.4 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, Nadeem tosses one on off, Smith goes back and works it to long on for a single

8.3 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, no run, short and spinning away from off, Smith makes room and slaps it straight to the fielder at extra cover

8.2 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, no run, flatter and on the stumps, Smith goes back and defends it

8.1 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, SIX, Smith breaks the shackles, the arm-ball from Nadeem, Smith picked up the length and drags the lofted shot wide of long on, just about gets enough power to clear the ropes

7.6 L Shukla to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, short of a length and just outside off, Smith went for the pull, doesn't get hold of it and it pops behind mid-off for a single

7.5 L Shukla to Dwayne Smith, byes, FOUR, that one went right through Karthik, poor bit of keeping from him, excellent ball from Shukla though, this one cut back in from a length, went right through the gap between bat and pad, and whizzed over the top of middle stump

7.4 L Shukla to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, Shukla keeps it full and wide outside off, McCullum makes room and has to reach out for the shot, ends up squeezing it towards the off-side

7.2 L Shukla to Brendon McCullum, no run, short of a length and shaping away from off, McCullum jabs at that and the ball whizzes past the outside edge

7.1 L Shukla to Brendon McCullum, no run, a near stunner from Jadhav at backward point, this was full and just outside off, McCullum shimmied down the track and slashed it to the right of the fielder, Jadhav went one-handed, but the ball slipped down as he fell on the ground

Laxmi Shukla, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

Time Out

6.6 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, pushed through by Nadeem, McCullum goes back and nudges it towards mid-wicket for a single

6.5 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, Nadeem floats one on off, Smith gets forward and drives it to long on for a single

6.4 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, Nadeem fires one on middle and leg-stump line, driven to long off for a single

6.3 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, no run, Nadeem gives this one more air and just outside off, steered straight to the fielder at backward point

6.2 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, no run, fraction shorter from Nadeem, McCullum makes room and punches it straight to the fielder at short extra cover

6.1 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, no run, tossed up and on off, McCullum presses forward and defends it

5.6 Parnell to Dwayne Smith, no run, this is a good over from Parnell, keeps it fuller and on the pads of Smith, he is cramped for room as he looks to work it towards the on-side, the ball lobs of the inside half of the pads

5.5 Parnell to Dwayne Smith, no run, on a length and just outside off, Smith gets behind the line and defends it

5.4 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, short of a length and on the stumps, McCullum went for the pull, does not get hold of the shot, de Kock was the man behind square, but this one went in front of square, the batsmen settle for just a single

5.3 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, no run, on a length and on the stumps, McCullum went for the pull and missed, gets hit high on the thigh-pad, optimistic appeal for LBW is turned down

5.2 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, no run, back of a length and just outside off, McCullum was half-forward as he defends it in front of cover

4.6 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, flatter and on the stumps, punched down to long on for a single

4.5 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, no run, nicely bowled by Nadeem, slows this one down and gets it to spin across Smith, he pushes forward and gets a bottom edge back towards the bowler

4.4 S Nadeem to Dwayne Smith, no run, Nadeem shortens his length on off, punched straight to the fielder at mid-off

4.3 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, tossed up and on middle, McCullum presses forward and nudges it in front of long on for a single

4.2 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, no run, Nadeem drifts one on off, McCullum makes room and gets an inside edge onto the drive, the ball rolls away back to the bowler

4.1 S Nadeem to Brendon McCullum, FOUR, poor start from Nadeem, fires one short and on McCullum's pads, he rocks back and pulls it over square leg for a boundary

Shahbaz Nadeem, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

3.6 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, no run, on a good length and just outside off, defended towards extra cover, three dots and three sixes from the over

3.5 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, SIX, that is three in a row, Unadkat is going for plenty of runs, he came from round the wicket and angled one on off, Smith gets forward and lifts it through the line, clears long-off with ease for another six

3.4 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, SIX, Unadkat is not learning here, another slower ball, banged half-way down the track, Smith rocks back and pulls it high and behind square for another maximum

3.3 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, SIX, predictable bowling from Unadkat, short and on Smith's hips, Smith swivels across and helps it on its way, clears the fence for a maximum

3.2 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, no run, another slower delivery from Unadkat, well disguised, rolled his fingers around this one, Smith went for the pull and is beaten

3.1 Unadkat to Dwayne Smith, no run, the slower ball from Unadkat, Smith was early into the pull and misses, the ball rolls away towards the off-side

Jaydev Unadkat, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

2.6 Shami to Brendon McCullum, FOUR, this is poor stuff from Shami, fine-leg was inside the ring and he attempts the bouncer, it sat up for the pull, McCullum obliges and sends it over that man inside the ring for a boundary

Third man is in, long off goes back

2.5 Shami to Brendon McCullum, no run, Shami gets away with a poor ball, this was short and wide outside off, McCullum was way too early on the cut and gets a bottom edge towards cover

2.4 Shami to Brendon McCullum, no run, full and on McCullum's pads, he looks to flick and misses, the ball rolls away towards the on-side

2.3 Shami to Brendon McCullum, no run, back of a length and just outside off, McCullum stays behind the line and tucks it towards backward point

2.2 Shami to Brendon McCullum, no run, that is nothing but a slog from McCullum, charges down the track very early, Shami drops it short, he ends up hoicking across the line and misses

2.1 Shami to Brendon McCullum, FOUR, poor ball from Shami, bangs one short and on the stumps, McCullum swivels across and pulls it over square leg, one bounce and over the ropes for a boundary

1.6 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, full and swinging into McCullum, he looks to drive and gets an inside edge, the ball rolls away wide of de Kock at mid-wicket

1.5 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, FOUR, wrong line from Parnell, full and on McCullum's pads, easy pickings for him as he flicks it past square leg for a boundary. It was the slower ball from Parnell

1.4 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, no run, Parnell shortens his length on off, McCullum gets behind the line and defends it

1.3 Parnell to Brendon McCullum, no run, Parnell keeps it full and wide outside off, McCullum prods forward and drives it towards cover

1.2 Parnell to Dwayne Smith, leg byes, 3 runs, too straight from Parnell, ends up drifting onto Smith's pads, he looks to flick and misses, the ball runs away off his pads, Shami at fine leg was very square, he gets across and saves a run for his team, with the help of his boots

1.1 Parnell to Dwayne Smith, no run, Parnell swings his first ball onto Smith's pads, he fell over as he looked to flick and is struck on the pads

Wayne Parnell, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Shami to Brendon McCullum, 2 runs, back of a length and just outside off, McCullum steers it behind square and gets back for the second run, the third man was very square

0.5 Shami to Brendon McCullum, no run, tad fuller and just outside off, McCullum presses forward and drives it towards short extra cover

0.4 Shami to Dwayne Smith, 1 run, short of a length and on Smith's pads, tucked past square leg for a single

0.3 Shami to Dwayne Smith, no run, loud shout for LBW, but umpire Oxenford is unmoved, this one nipped back in from a length, Smith was caught in his crease as he looked to defend, the ball hit the thighs on the way to the keeper. A bit too high though, Smith survives

0.2 Shami to Dwayne Smith, FOUR, nicely done by Smith, this was full and shaping away from off, Smith gets forward and drives, the bottom hand came off the handle of the bat and races away past extra cover for a boundary

Two slips in place

0.1 Shami to Dwayne Smith, no run, short of a length and shaping away from off, Smith throws his bat at that and misses, good carry through to the keeper

Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum are at the crease. Dwayne Smith is on strike. Shami will open the attack

Welcome back..

Kevin Pietersen would be happy in the dug-out with the the score his batters have put up on the board after being asked to bat first. Dhoni though wouldn't be happy with his bowlers for leaking 44 runs off the last three overs. When Quinton de Kock was going great guns at the top, Delhi were looking solid for a massive score but his partner Vijay ran him out. That meant, KP came in and Mohit dismissed him for a golden duck. Karthik and Vijay though, especially the former, batted exceptionally well and toyed with the bowling. Eventually he also got to his fifty before perishing very soon. The ploy to send Laxmi Shukla up the order didn't work as he was dismissed for a duck. Vijay too ran out of patience and gifted his wicket away. However, a sensational 34-ball 58 run stand between Duminy and Jadhav rescued Delhi and got them to a very good score. The pitch is a belter to bat on mind you and Chennai will back themselves to chase this down. Run chase coming up in a short while...

19.6 Mohit Sharma to K Jadhav, FOUR, Jadhav has made up for eating up a few dot balls. This is a fabulous finish for Delhi. This time Mohit opts for the normal fast delivery, but he gave width as Jadhav advanced, in the end the batsman just opened the face of the bat and sliced it between the two fielder behind square on the off-side

19.5 Mohit Sharma to K Jadhav, SIX, poor, poor, absolutely poor bowling from Mohit. He was just hit for a maximum with a slower delivery, again he goes for it and again Jadhav smokes it handsomely, this time over wide long-off

19.4 Mohit Sharma to K Jadhav, SIX, I was thinking Mohit would deliver the slower ball to Jadhav as he wasn't picking it up properly, this time Jadhav made up his mind, waited for it and as Mohit delivered according to both of us, he goes sailing over long-off

19.3 Mohit Sharma to Duminy, 1 run, Duminy toe-ends the widish yorker to mid-off as he tried to smash it hard

19.2 Mohit Sharma to Duminy, no run, Duminy tried to cheeky with the reverse paddle but doesn't connect with the wide yorker

19.1 Mohit Sharma to K Jadhav, 1 run, sliced up in the air and McCullum couldn't get there in time. It fell just short of him. Slower ball, Jadhav advanced to go big but he mistimed it completely

18.6 Hilfenhaus to Duminy, FOUR, with fine leg inside the ring, if you are bowling on the pads, you are asking for trouble! Duminy gets to the off-side slightly and helps it away past short fine leg. Nice finish to the over and it's over to Jadhav now to take strike

18.4 Hilfenhaus to K Jadhav, FOUR, inside-edge but Jadhav wouldn't mind. Widish full delivery outside off stump, Jadhav swings hard and gets an edge, Pandey at short fine leg fumbles and it goes to the fence

18.3 Hilfenhaus to K Jadhav, no run, now the slower delivery to make t three dots. Jadhav tries to guide it past short third man but misses

18.2 Hilfenhaus to K Jadhav, no run, swings really hard but only connects thin air. It was there to be hit but Jadhav didn't hold his shape while playing the shot

18.1 Hilfenhaus to K Jadhav, no run, went across the sticks to smoke it over the on-side, but Hilfenhaus fires a low full toss outside off stump, Jadhav could only push it back to the bowler

Ben Hilfenhaus [3.0-0-25-1] is back into the attack

17.6 Mohit Sharma to Duminy, FOUR, four consecutive boundaries and Delhi are up and running! With no one in the deep over cover, Mohit sprays one full outside off stump, Duminy was clever enough to latch on and just drive it over the infield. 17 came off that over

17.5 Mohit Sharma to Duminy, FOUR, that's a fine shot from JP! Again the length wrong from Mohit, full and in the slot, front leg out of the way and Duminy smokes it over mid-wicket to beat the man giving chase from long-on

17.4 Mohit Sharma to Duminy, FOUR, lucky. Full delivery outside off stump, Duminy slogs and gets a thick outside edge, third man wasn't even in the picture

17.3 Mohit Sharma to Duminy, FOUR, now Mithun Manhas will not like that ball! It teased him to the core and eventually won the race. Firstly Duminy scooped a full ball over short fine leg, Manhas ran back with outstretched hands from backward square leg, the ball just evades him, he goes down in the process. Secondly it continues its journey and Manhas, who couldn't get up with proper balance, almost crawls and loses the battle

17.2 Mohit Sharma to K Jadhav, 1 run, well disguised slower ball from the back of the hand, Jadhav could only guide it towards the keeper but Duminy was quickly off the blocks to complete the run

17.1 Mohit Sharma to K Jadhav, no run, Jadhav gives the charge to launch it big, but chops it onto the ground

Mohit Sharma [2.0-0-16-1] is back into the attack

16.6 Ravindra Jadeja to Duminy, no run, 'no, no' says Jadhav as he saw this flick from Duminy go quickly to Ashwin at short fine. So Jadeja to completes his spell, 4-0-23-1

16.5 Ravindra Jadeja to K Jadhav, 1 run, advances and works the flighted delivery to long-on

16.4 Ravindra Jadeja to K Jadhav, no run, Raina saves four with a dive to his right at backward point. Full and wide outside off stump, Jadhav squeezed it out very well but he can't get any runs

16.3 Ravindra Jadeja to Duminy, 1 run, down the leg side, nudged to Ashwin at short fine leg

16.2 Ravindra Jadeja to K Jadhav, 1 run, Jadhav dances down the track and drills the flighted delivery to long-on

16.1 Ravindra Jadeja to Duminy, 1 run, a long-hop, Duminy kind enough to only flick it to mid-wicket for a sharp single

15.6 Ashwin to Duminy, 1 run, 'yes, yes, yes' was the call from Duminy as soon as he guided the flatter delivery to short third man and Jadhav makes his ground easily. Ash ends 4-0-29-1

14.4 Ravindra Jadeja to Duminy, no run, down the leg side, flicked to short fine leg again, Duminy wants one, sent back, direct-hit by Ashwin but he was back in time and it's confirmed by the third umpire

14.3 Ravindra Jadeja to Duminy, no run, flighted delivery on the stumps, worked to mid-wicket

Kedar Jadhav, right handed bat, comes to the crease

14.2 Ravindra Jadeja to Vijay, out Caught by du Plessis!! In the air and long-off takes another catch! Now another set batsman goes for Delhi and the onus is on Duminy again! Flighted delivery on the stumps, Vijay mistimes the loft as he advances, fine catch in the deep. Vijay has wasted a start here. Vijay c du Plessis b Ravindra Jadeja 35(30) [4s-2 6s-1]

Ravindra Jadeja to Vijay, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

14.1 Ravindra Jadeja to Duminy, 1 run, down the leg side, worked away to short fine leg

Jean-Paul Duminy, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Ravindra Jadeja [2.0-0-16-0] is back into the attack

Time-out.

13.6 Ashwin to L Shukla, out Caught by I Pandey!! Now that ball swirled but luckily, long-off was perfectly stationed to grab it. Shukla came down the track to go big, was looking to play it over mid-wicket, gets a leading edge and because of the bat these days, it goes all the way to long-off. A comfortable catch in the end. So Shukla came and Shukla went. Time for JP Duminy now! L Shukla c I Pandey b Ashwin 0(2)

13.4 Ashwin to Vijay, SIX, wow! Kevin Pietersen in the dug out loved it! The switch-hit from Vijay and he too has a big smile on his face! Ashwin wouldn't like this though. Full outside off stump, Vijay changes his grip and smokes it handsomely over sweeper cover

13.3 Ashwin to L Shukla, leg byes, 1 run, round the wicket, fired flatter just outside off stump Shukla fails to connect the sweep but it ricochets off the pad

13.2 Ashwin to Vijay, leg byes, 1 run, again down the leg side, somehow Vijay misses out on the glance but they steal a leg bye though

12.6 Hilfenhaus to D Karthik, out Caught by Mohit Sharma!! Karthik stands his ground and they are checking if the catch was taken cleanly. Mohit Sharma is confident and the replay suggests he's got to walk back. Strange bit of field placing that by MSD. A man just behind square on the on-side and it goes to him. Call that luck or brilliance, this was much needed for Chennai. Why are they checking this so long? Surely OUT, it has to be! Now a fresh set of replays come in, I think the fingers are underneath it and finally, we have the confirmation. It needed something special to end such a wonderful knock. Full delivery from round the wicket, Karthik swings hard but gets it on the inside half of the bat, the ball goes flat and low but Mohit dives to his left and grabs it inches from the ground. Well done Dinesh Karthik on an entertaining innings! D Karthik c Mohit Sharma b Hilfenhaus 51(36) [4s-4 6s-3]

Hilfenhaus to D Karthik, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

12.5 Hilfenhaus to D Karthik, FOUR, this is one of the best fifties I've seen from the bat of Karthik. Length delivery outside off stump, Karthik shimmies down the track and smashes it past extra-cover

12.4 Hilfenhaus to Vijay, 1 run, a half-hearted chip in the air and it drops short of Jadeja at long-on. He's checking his bat straightaway Vijay

12.3 Hilfenhaus to D Karthik, 1 run, a wristy flick to this full delivery and it goes to deep mid-wicket

12.2 Hilfenhaus to D Karthik, no run, this time he goes too far across and Hilfenhaus fires it way outside off stump. Not called a wide because Karthik moved

12.1 Hilfenhaus to D Karthik, SIX, looks like he was glued to the TV sets when ABdV smoked them yesterday in the Garden City. I am sure, the South African would give Karthik a clap now on seeing this shot. Gets across the stumps and helps the full toss on its way and it has enough legs to clear the fence

Ben Hilfenhaus [2.0-0-13-0] is back into the attack

11.6 Ashwin to D Karthik, 1 run, gets down on his knee quickly and sweeps the quicker delivery to deep backward square leg

11.5 Ashwin to Vijay, 1 run, this time he looks to loft it over the rope but it goes on the bounce to deep mid-wicket as he didn't get hold of it

11.4 Ashwin to Vijay, 2 runs, eish! Down the leg side again, Vijay helps it past short fine leg for a couple

11.3 Ashwin to D Karthik, 1 run, another one on the pads, gentle nudge to short fine leg

11.2 Ashwin to D Karthik, no run, on the leg stump, flicked to mid-wicket

11.2 Ashwin to Vijay, 2 wides, well that was a poor ball, down the leg side and even Dhoni couldn't grab it cleanly

10.5 Mohit Sharma to D Karthik, SIX, when he's in this sort of a mood, you better get your lengths right Mohit Sharma! Full toss and it goes baaaaanggg, over mid-wicket. What's more, Karthik's pose after playing the shot was so good to watch

10.4 Mohit Sharma to D Karthik, no run, a loud cry of 'nooo' as Karthik mistimes the pull straight to Hilfenhaus at square leg

10.3 Mohit Sharma to Vijay, 1 run, slower ball just outside off stump, spotted early, Vijay guides it to the left of short third man

10.2 Mohit Sharma to D Karthik, 1 run, a direct-hit could have been interesting! Nope, Vijay was safe! Length ball, tapped wide of point, called for a quick single and in the end all is well for Delhi

10.1 Mohit Sharma to D Karthik, FOUR, Karthik is in the groove folks! He surely is. Full and juicy just outside off stump, thank you very much says Karthik and he smashes it back over the bowler's head

Mohit Sharma [1.0-0-3-1] is back into the attack

9.6 Dwayne Smith to Vijay, no run, looks for a drop and run single but the ball was too close to the keeper and Vijay stands his ground

9.5 Dwayne Smith to D Karthik, 1 run, Karthik jams the yorker to short third man and they set off for a quick single

9.4 Dwayne Smith to Vijay, 1 run, nice flick off the pads and it goes to deep mid-wicket

9.3 Dwayne Smith to Vijay, FOUR, no one moved! Such was the power behind that shot! Full and right in the slot, can't bowl there with mid-off up in the circle, Vijay cracks the drive to the left of extra-cover

9.2 Dwayne Smith to Vijay, 2 runs, fullish delivery on the stumps, worked away into the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple

9.1 Dwayne Smith to D Karthik, 1 run, there is that back of the bat reverse paddle from Karthik, helped away to third man

Dwayne Smith, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

Time-out.

8.6 Ravindra Jadeja to D Karthik, 1 run, another inside-edge but luckily this flatter delivery went to backward square leg

8.2 Ravindra Jadeja to D Karthik, FOUR, well done! Gets across the sticks and sweeps the low full toss very hard and behind square, the fielders in the deep had no chance

8.1 Ravindra Jadeja to D Karthik, SIX, Hilfenhaus has palmed this over! A tough one though. Flighted delivery on the off stump, Karthik slog-sweeps it flat and hard, deep mid-wicket runs to his right but couldn't hold on to the ball

7.3 Ashwin to D Karthik, 1 run, this one keeps a touch low but Karthik manages to bring his bat down in time to push it to long-on

7.2 Ashwin to D Karthik, no run, quicker on the stumps, blocked easily

7.1 Ashwin to Vijay, 1 run, flighted delivery on the off stump, Vijay pushes it to long-on

Ravichandran Ashwin, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

6.6 Ravindra Jadeja to D Karthik, 2 runs, oh Vijay! Again he was just ball-watching and takes off very late for what was an easy single. Quicker delivery on the off stump, defended to point, Karthik was jogging before he was shocked to know that Vijay didn't start at the other end. A loud yell and his partner wakes up, meanwhile the throw was wide from Dhoni and they get an extra run

6.5 Ravindra Jadeja to D Karthik, no run, goes for the reverse sweep but Ashwin is very fine at short third man

6.3 Ravindra Jadeja to D Karthik, no run, oh the inside-edge just evades the off stump. In fact, the ball hit the boot and popped up, first slip couldn't get there in time

6.2 Ravindra Jadeja to D Karthik, no run, bit of turn on offer, outside off stump, Karthik guides it to backward point

6.1 Ravindra Jadeja to Vijay, 1 run, flighted delivery on the off stump, driven down to long-on

Ravindra Jadeja, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

5.6 I Pandey to Vijay, 1 run, in the air but safe! Vijay closes the face of the bat a bit too early while trying flick a shortish delivery through mid-wicket, the ball takes the leading edge and just falls short of a diving du Plessis at mid-off

5.5 I Pandey to Vijay, no run, Vijay is livid that he missed out on a poor delivery. Short of a length down the leg side, Vijay misses the flick and is hit on the pad

5.4 I Pandey to D Karthik, 3 runs, on the pads this time and tucked away nicely to deep square leg, fine leg runs around and tidies up

5.3 I Pandey to D Karthik, FOUR, punched off the back foot and he hardly had to run for that! The ball made a sweet sound as it made contact with the bat. Again short and just outside off stump, Karthik puts it through cover-point and gets off the mark in style

5.2 I Pandey to D Karthik, no run, Karthik tries to pull it but mistimes the short of length delivery to mid-wicket

5.1 I Pandey to Vijay, 1 run, shortish and well outside off stump, driven softly to cover

4.6 Mohit Sharma to D Karthik, no run, very tight around the off stump, Karthik stands tall and respects it with a back foot defence

4.5 Mohit Sharma to D Karthik, no run, short of length delivery outside off stump, pushed to point

4.4 Mohit Sharma to D Karthik, no run, a very good nut first up. Again the inswinger from Mohit, Karthik defends off the front foot

Dinesh Karthik, right handed bat, comes to the crease

4.3 Mohit Sharma to Pietersen, out Bowled!! Oh wow! Mohit Sharma you beauty! Good length delivery pitching just outside off stump, the ball nips back in slightly, Pietersen plays all around it and the off pole goes cartwheeling to delight Dhoni and Co. Classic example of why you need to do the basics right. If Vijay had taken the third, Delhi would have been in a much better position. Pietersen b Mohit Sharma 0(1)

4.1 Mohit Sharma to Vijay, out de Kock Run Out!! 2 runs completed. He should have been looking at his partner, Murali Vijay! de Kock was the man who was heading to the danger end and it was his call. Short of a length delivery outside off stump, driven on the rise from the crease through cover-point, Raina gives chase, puts in the dive and relays it to Jadeja, who takes aim and fires a fine throw back to the bowler and Mohit disturbs the timber with a direct-hit. de Kock who was looking so good has been dismissed. de Kock run out (Raina/Ravindra Jadeja/Mohit Sharma) 24(16) [4s-3 6s-2]

Mohit Sharma to Vijay, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Dhoni is up to the stumps. Oh my word! de Kock is run-out! Basic error from Vijay and he ends his partner's stay.

Mohit Sharma, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

3.6 I Pandey to de Kock, SIX, hit hard and hit for a maximum! From delivering his second maiden over in the tournament, Pandey leaks 17 runs in his second. Quite contrasting fortunes for him! Well done de Kock, need some courage to pick it up from just outside off stump and put it over mid-wicket. The length was very full and that helped his cause. It's now safe to say, Delhi are off to a great start

3.5 I Pandey to de Kock, no run, now the slower delivery dispatched off the back foot, McCullum the man again with the dive to his right at extra-cover to save what was a certain boundary

3.4 I Pandey to de Kock, no run, oh he's lucky that the fielder was right in the way. A poor low full toss wide outside off stump, driven sweetly but straight to Baz at cover

3.3 I Pandey to de Kock, SIX, if you are going to shape the ball back into the left-hander, you've got to start from well outside off stump. The line was around the leg stump and de Kock easily picked it away over backward square leg for a maximum

3.2 I Pandey to Vijay, 1 run, a drop and run single! Just gets on top of the bounce of this short of length delivery, taps it to backward point and sets off

3.1 I Pandey to Vijay, FOUR, ah! That's more like it Murali Vijay! Holds a fantastic shape while meeting this good length delivery on the rise, he lofts the ball over mid-on and it almost goes all the way

2.6 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, no run, no de Kock, not the length to be playing across the line. Just around the off stump and on a good length, the batsman plays and misses

2.5 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, FOUR, even better! Just shimmies down the track a bit and lofts it handsomely over cover. This man is looking in fine form

2.4 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, FOUR, now that came from the middle of the bat! Short of a length on the off stump, de Kock opened himself up slightly to free the on-side, plays a delightful pull shot and it rockets to the deep mid-wicket fence

2.3 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, no run, change of pace beats de Kock all ends up. He didn't pick it up and was completely foxed

2.3 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, wide, deserved to be hit. A fine little tickle would have been four. Hilfenhaus is lucky that this full delivery down the leg side wasn't helped away

2.2 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, no run, just makes room to tee off but Hilfenhaus keeps him calm by cramping him for room with a short of length delivery, defended to point in the end

2.1 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, no run, back of a length delivery outside off stump, de Kock slogs and misses

1.6 I Pandey to Vijay, no run, fantastic maiden over by Pandey. Appeal for LBW but not given, Vijay was looking for the away-swinger again, but the bowler shaped this back into the right-hander, Vijay is hit high on the pad and would have gone down the leg side as well. In fact, the ball jagged back after landing on the seam

1.5 I Pandey to Vijay, no run, now he get bat on ball. Stands tall and pushes the back of a length delivery to mid-off

1.4 I Pandey to Vijay, no run, wow! Third consective beaten! Just around the off stump, Vijay plays inside the line of the short of length delivery and makes no contact

1.3 I Pandey to Vijay, no run, a peach from Pandey! This short of length delivery not just moved away, but also took off and almost took the shoulder of the bat through to Dhoni

1.2 I Pandey to Vijay, no run, swing and a miss. Some good bit of outswing on this good length delivery outside off stump, Vijay drives away from the body and gets lucky

1.1 I Pandey to Vijay, no run, just a hint of outswing on this good length delivery outside off stump, pushed to mid-off

Ishwar Pandey, right-arm medium, comes into the attack

0.6 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, FOUR, shot! Hilfenhaus dropped it short as de Kock made room while advancing, but the batsman manages to loft it handsomely over mid-on and it goes on the bounce into the fence

0.5 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, no run, short of length delivery on the off stump, de Kock defends off the back foot

0.4 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, no run, fraction back of a length and outside off, de Kock slaps it in front of point

0.3 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, no run, slightly back of a length and swinging again, de Kock taps it to the man at mid-wicket

0.2 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, no run, good length ball tailing in on middle, defended

0.1 Hilfenhaus to de Kock, leg byes, FOUR, Hilfenhaus gets some inswing straightaway but the line is on the leg-stump, de Kock misses the tickle but the ball brushes the pad on its away to the fine leg fence

de Kock and Vijay are at the crease. de Kock is on strike. Hilfenhaus will open the attack

Vijay and de Kock stride out to the middle. Hilfy to kick off proceedings for Chennai.

Pietersen: "We didn't start well the other night, hopefully we can do well tonight. We've got a great bunch of guys, we are working hard and we deserve a little bit of luck. We wanted to bowl first as well. It's quite hard to defend here but we've got to bat well now. We've been one or two overs away from turning it around and hopefully we will do well tonight. Rahul Sharma makes way for Laxmi Shukla."

Dhoni: "Keeping it simple really helps and we don't look too much ahead. We know if we keep winning the games we will keep getting the points. This side looks like it can play on any surface. I don't see any reason why we should make any changes, but for injuries. It's a good ground, it suits us to some extent. We will bowl first. I had a look at the wicket, seems slightly sticky. So far so good in India. The wicket was slower in Ranchi but our spinners bowled well. We are unchanged today."

Chennai Super Kings have won the toss and have opted to field

We've had a crazy first game in today's double-header. What do Delhi and Chennai have in store for us in the second? Hello and warm welcome to Match 26 of the 2014 Indian T20 League. MS Dhoni and Co. are sitting pretty at the top of the table with 5 wins out of 6 while Delhi are at the bottom of the table with just 2 wins under their belt. It's a very crucial game for them in front of their home crowd as a loss today will really make it tough for them to make it to the top four. There was a bit of rain earlier in the day but it has cleared up now. It will be interesting to see the playing XIs of the both the sides. Toss coming up in a very short while. Stay tuned...

Preview by Kiran Nataraj

The home coming wasn't as rosy as Delhi Daredevils had expected as they lost their opening match of the 2nd leg of the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) against Rajasthan Royals at Delhi. They have just managed 2 wins out of their 6 matches so far and they will take on tournament heavy weights Chennai Super Kings, who are on song with 5 consecutive wins after losing the first match in the UAE. Chennai will be playing at Delhi and the slow pitch will be ideal for their bowlers. What's more, the side seemed to have found the perfect combinations and they have clicked together as a unit so far.

Delhi:

In the last encounter against Chennai in UAE a fortnight ago, Delhi Daredevils were annihilated by Chennai Super Kings by a whopping margin of 93 runs after being all-out for a paltry 84. Their batting has not clicked as a unit and the form of their openers are on and off. They are stocked with more foreign players and selecting the right combination has been a problem. Even the likes of Ross Taylor have been benched. Only JP Duminy has been consistent with a string of fifties. They need Kevin Pietersen, Dinesh Karthik and Ross Taylor to help them get out of the mess they are currently in and the journey up the ladder will be tough for them.

Their bowling also has been bit wayward, with only Mohammad Shami and Wayne Parnell giving them the breakthroughs. This team is going through a rough patch and they are in dire need of a miracle if they are to be in the reckoning for the knock-out stage.

Chennai:

They are the team to beat in this edition so far after starting off badly, losing the first match in UAE against Kings XI Punjab. They have all the bases that is essential for a match-winning unit covered and it will be tough to stop them.

Their opening duo, Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum have been giving them strong starts and the only problem they have is that the middle order is yet to be tested in case of a top order failure.

Their bowling is also looking polished, with Ben Hilfenhaus giving them good breakthroughs while Mohit Sharma has been a revelation in this edition. Their spin department is also brimming with confidence with Ravichandran Ashwin doing a fabulous job of curtailing runs as well as pikcing up regular wickets. They also have a part time option in the form of Suresh Raina to fall back on. Ravindra Jadeja has been their trump card with his all-round abilities and Mahendra Singh Dhoni has almost all the ammunitions needed in his arsenal to take his side all the way, yet again.

Team news:

Chennai Super Kings will not look meddle with the combination they have at the moment and will look to continue their rich vein of form. Delhi Daredevils on the other hand will be under tremendous pressure to stop the Chennai Super Kings juggernaut and they might look to bring in Ross Taylor, but at the expense of a bowler, which might also affect their bowling. There could be lot to ponder for the Delhi Daredevils.

Quotes:

"Touch wood, most departments are going well. We have bowled well, the fielding has been excellent and our batting has been good. But we know how fickle form can be in the T20 format," Stephen Fleming.

"I want the boys to keep their heads up, they've done all they can and that's all one can ask for," Kevin Pietersen.